The Marblehead boys’ hockey team is the No. 16 seed in the MIAA Division II state
tournament, and will be matched up against No. 17 Norwood Wednesday night.
While the Magicians didn’t play Norwood during the regular season, head coach Mark Marfione happens to know a little bit about the foe, as he was a former assistant coach for the Mustangs.
“I do not know any of the players that suit up for Norwood now, but I am familiar with the coaching staff,” Marfione said. “Chuck Allen is their head coach, so I expect his team to be well-disciplined, smart, and will want to play fast. They are going to be very well-prepared, so it is going to be a tough game and we will have to be at the top of our game if we want to come out with a win.”
When Marfione woke up Saturday morning, he wasn’t expecting his team to have a home game to open the tournament, but that is exactly what happened – which is no small thing.
“I thought we were going to be seeded 20th and have a road game to start our tournament
journey, but I am glad I was wrong,” Marfione said. “We have amazing fans and being able to have their support at home during the first game is definitely a luxury, and the kids are excited for that. There will be a great atmosphere when Wednesday night comes around.”
Marfione also expressed the importance of staying composed and only worrying about what his team can control.
“We just have to play consistent and our style of hockey,” Marfione said. “We have to play as a team, make sure we are in the right places on offense and defense, and not let the moment get too big. If we can do those things, good results will follow and we will have a great chance to win.”
Marblehead will be leaning on its captain-trio of senior forward Chris Locke, senior forward Carter Laramie, and junior defenseman Hogan Sedky for leadership on and off the ice.
“Chris, Carter, and Hogan have been great for us all season, and really have shown the underclassmen how important being consistent and playing as a team truly is,” Marfione said. “Carter missed a chunk of the season due to injury, so to have the complete trio being able to lead us Wednesday is huge.”
The Magicians also have the freshmen forward-duo of Avian Rodovsky and London McDonald, who have each logged big minutes all season.
“Avian and London have not played in a game or setting that Wednesday night is going to be, but we expect them to play the way they have all season,” Marfione said. “Avian and London are mature for their age, and I think both will be able to handle the intensity change well.”
Marblehead finished the regular season with an overall record of 13-5-4, and Marfione is very proud of what his team has accomplished thus far.
“This has been a great first year as Marblehead’s coach, and that is all because of the kids on the team,” Marfione said. “We are in a really good spot right now and, more importantly, I feel all the kids as a team, and individually, have become better hockey players, which is amazing to see as a coach.”
The Magicians hope to shine at Salem State Wednesday with puck-drop set for 7:30 p.m.
